Introduction

Good morning, dear family of faith. Isn't it a beautiful day that the Lord has made? We are gathered here today, not by chance, but by divine appointment. We are here to celebrate the life, the sacrifice, and the exaltation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The renowned preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "I have a great need for Christ: I have a great Christ for my need." These words ring true for each of us. We all have a great need for Christ, and today, we are going to see just how great our Christ is to meet our needs.

Let us turn to the book of Philippians, chapter 2, verses 8 through 11:

"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

What an extraordinary passage! It paints a vivid picture of the humility, sacrifice, and exaltation of Jesus Christ - the same Jesus who walked the dusty roads of Galilee, the same Jesus who died on a rugged cross for our sins, the same Jesus who rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.

We are going to unpack this passage today, focusing on three main points: The Humility of Jesus, The Sacrifice of Jesus, and The Exaltation of Jesus.

But before we do, let us pause for a moment and invite the Holy Spirit to guide us. Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask that You open our eyes to see the beauty of His humility, the depth of His sacrifice, and the glory of His exaltation. May Your Word come alive to us today, transforming our hearts and minds, and drawing us closer to You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let us begin...

Born for This - The Humility of Jesus

When we think about Jesus, we often picture His divine nature - the miracles, the wisdom, the power. But it's equally important to remember His human nature. He was born into this world just like us. He grew up in a family, learned a trade, and experienced the joys and sorrows of life. This was no accident. It was a deliberate choice made by God.

Jesus was born into a humble setting: His parents were not wealthy or influential. They were ordinary people, living in an ordinary town. His birthplace was not a palace or a grand house, but a stable. This was not a glamorous start to life. Yet, it was part of God's plan.

His attitude and actions: He did not seek fame or power. He did not demand respect or adulation. Instead, He served others. He washed His disciples' feet, a task usually done by servants. He spent time with the outcasts of society - the tax collectors, the sinners, the sick. He showed love and compassion to all, regardless of their status or reputation.

His obedience to God: Despite His divine nature, He submitted to God's will. He prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done." He accepted the difficult path laid before Him - the betrayal, the suffering, the crucifixion. He did not resist or complain. He did not use His power to escape or retaliate. He willingly gave up His life for us.

A reflection of God's love for us: God could have saved us in any way He chose. He could have used His power and glory to overwhelm us. But He chose to save us through humility and sacrifice. He chose to come to us, to live among us, to die for us. This is the depth of God's love for us.

Implications for our relationship with God: It shows us that God is not distant or aloof. He is close and personal. He understands our struggles and weaknesses. He sympathizes with our temptations and trials. He cares about our joys and sorrows. This gives us confidence to approach God, to share our lives with Him, to seek His help and guidance.

Challenges our values and priorities: It calls us to question our pursuit of success and status. It calls us to consider the importance of service and sacrifice. It calls us to reflect on the meaning of greatness and glory. It calls us to live not for ourselves, but for God and others.

The humility of Jesus is a powerful and profound truth: It's not just a historical fact or a theological doctrine. It's a reality that touches our lives, shapes our faith, and transforms our world. It's a truth that brings us closer to God, makes us more like Jesus, and fills us with hope and love. It's a truth that deserves our attention, our admiration, and our allegiance.

Bearing the Cross - The Sacrifice of Jesus

The cross, a symbol of shame and punishment, became the stage for the greatest act of love humanity has ever known ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO